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Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 will take place from June 16 to 19, positioning Uzbekistan’s capital as a key investment gateway in Central Asia.

The fifth anniversary forum is expected to bring together global investors, government officials, international financial institutions and major corporations, highlighting Tashkent’s growing role in regional economic integration.

Organizers say the event will build on the momentum of the 2025 forum, which attracted more than 8,000 participants from 97 countries and resulted in investment agreements worth over $30 bn.

This year’s programme will feature panel discussions, business-to-business and government-to-business meetings, as well as a large-scale...

Authorities in Vancouver have turned down a request from FIFA to provide its president, Gianni Infantino, with a high-level motorcade escort typically reserved for global leaders such as the Pope or the U.S. president.

The request was made ahead of FIFA’s annual congress in the Canadian city. Officials said security arrangements would remain «appropriate and measured,» in line with previous international events, rather than granting exceptional privileges.

The proposed level-four escort would have allowed Infantino’s convoy to bypass traffic controls and close roads, raising concerns about necessity and public perception. The decision comes as Vancouver faces growing scrutiny...

Argentina has renewed its sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands following reports that the United States may reconsider its long-standing support for Britain’s position.

The move comes after a leaked Pentagon memo suggested Washington could review its stance, raising concerns about a potential shift in geopolitical alignment. Analysts say such a change could embolden Buenos Aires and increase pressure in international forums.

Argentine leaders, including President Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel, reiterated that sovereignty over the islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, is «non-negotiable.» Villarruel also sparked controversy by telling island residents to «go back...

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, according to diplomatic sources.

No further details of the conversation were disclosed, but the talks reflect ongoing diplomatic engagement between Turkey and Uzbekistan.

Relations between the two countries have strengthened in recent years, with expanding cooperation in trade, defence, and cultural exchange. Ankara has also intensified its outreach to Central Asia as part of its broader foreign policy strategy.

The call comes amid continued regional uncertainty linked to developments in the Middle East, with...

The Australian Grand Prix is widely expected to lose its prestigious position as the opening round of the 2027 Formula 1 world championship, PlanetF1 reports. Based on recent schedule projections Bahrain is primed to reclaim the first slot on the racing calendar.

Melbourne has successfully launched the motorsport season for the past two years. Prior to the global disruptions of 2020 the Albert Park circuit was the traditional home of the opening weekend and hosted the first race almost uninterrupted between 1995 and 2019.

Ramadan and logistical shifts

The early structure of the 2027 campaign is being dictated...

The newly released pirate survival game Windrose has pulled in $30 mln in gross revenue during its first ten days on the Steam platform, Vandal reports.

This financial windfall translates to an estimated $400,000 in net revenue for each employee at the 60-person studio behind the hit title, making it one of the most lucrative independent launches of the year.

Developed by the Uzbekistan-based independent studio Kraken Express the game has become an explosive commercial success. It surpassed 1.3 mln active players shortly after its early access launch on April 14.

Market research firm Alinea Analytics attributes these incredible...

A 21-year-old terror suspect has admitted to orchestrating an Islamist attack targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The defendant entered a partial guilty plea as his trial commenced on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

The Austrian national, identified in court documents as Beran A, was apprehended on August 7, 2024. His arrest occurred just 24 hours before the American pop star was scheduled to perform the first of three highly anticipated shows in the Austrian capital. The concerts were subsequently cancelled, leaving fans disappointed and prompting Swift to later describe the situation as “devastating”.

The concert bomb plot

Appearing...

JPMorgan Chase has begun relocating some of its European staff back to London from Paris, signalling a reassessment of its post-Brexit strategy.

The bank had previously expanded its presence in France following the UK’s exit from the European Union, but is now scaling back after overestimating staffing needs on the continent. While the exact number of employees moving remains unclear, the shift reflects a broader rethink of its European operations.

Chief executive Jamie Dimon, who has long been critical of Brexit, had earlier warned the bank might significantly reduce its UK footprint. However, JPMorgan has since increased its...

Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) recorded a year-on-year growth of 8.7% in the first quarter of 2026.

According to the latest report from the National Statistics Committee the national economy generated a total of 447.9 trln soums ($37.1 bn) by the beginning of April.

This strong economic performance was fuelled by solid gains across multiple key industries. The construction sector experienced the most dramatic surge as it expanded by 16.3% to reach 26.4 trln soums ($2.2 bn). Meanwhile the broader industrial sector grew by 8% to hit a valuation of 124.8 trln soums ($10.3 bn).

Services also maintained steady...

An eight-player squad will represent Uzbekistan at the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Club Championship in Hong Kong. The chess tournament is scheduled to run from June 17 to 21.

The country’s lineup features heavyweights such as Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Rustam Kasimdzhanov. The roster is completed by Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, Mukhiddin Madaminov, Afruza Khamdamova and Umida Omonova.

This summer’s gathering will be the fourth instalment of the club championship in the sport’s history. Up to 42 international teams are expected to travel to the Asian financial hub to compete for the titles. Organisers have stated that the...

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona has suspended its legal proceedings against Gulnara Karimova, SRF reports.

The presiding judge announced on Tuesday morning that the case against the daughter of former Uzbek President Islam Karimov cannot go ahead because she is legally prevented from leaving her home country.

Karimova is currently serving a prison sentence in an Uzbek penal colony where she is expected to remain until December 2028. The statute of limitations for the major offences she faces in Switzerland which include corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation, will expire earlier in...

A road traffic collision in South Carolina has claimed the life of Dylan Carter at the age of 24. While millions of television viewers knew him as a standout contestant on the hit U.S. reality programme The Voice, his hometown community in Moncks Corner is mourning the loss of a dedicated philanthropist and beloved local businessman.

The talented vocalist shot to national prominence during season 24 of the high-profile singing competition. Delivering a moving rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Look to You he managed to secure a four-chair turn from celebrity coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Niall Horan and Reba...

Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov has celebrated a highly successful season in English football by purchasing a spectacular modern home for his parents in his native Uzbekistan.

The 23-year-old national team standout acquired the property in Kibray, a scenic suburb situated just outside the capital of Tashkent, according to the entertainment outlet Showbiz.

This highly desirable neighbourhood is famous for its clean air and sits right next to a massive woodland park spanning over 40 hectares. Sports media reports suggest the lavish eco-friendly residence is valued at roughly $330,000 and provides his family with a tranquil green retreat away...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has enacted a new regulation designed to liberalise foreign exchange regulations across the country. Under the updated framework personal money transfers between individuals via bank accounts are now permitted regardless of citizenship.

Overseas citizens will also benefit from an expanded list of approved currency transactions. Foreigners are now authorised to invest funds into a local company’s share capital. They can also seamlessly execute charitable donations and process financial operations related to inheritance matters.

The legislative overhaul brings administrative relief to the corporate sector as well. Businesses seeking to purchase foreign currency will face less...

A lavish megayacht associated with a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin has successfully navigated the heavily restricted Strait of Hormuz, BBC reports.

The 142-metre Nord made the journey from the United Arab Emirates to Oman over the weekend despite a continuing blockade that has virtually halted private maritime traffic in the critical Gulf channel.

Tracking data from Marine Traffic shows the Russian-flagged vessel departed Dubai late on Friday evening and moored at the Al Mouj marina in Muscat by Sunday morning. The ship’s transit is highly unusual given that non-commercial boats have largely steered clear of the waterway...

Taylor Swift is taking novel legal measures to safeguard her identity from the growing threat of artificial intelligence, Variety reports. Following a blueprint established by actor Matthew McConaughey, Swift has recently filed a series of trademarks designed to protect her distinctive voice and visual persona.

On Friday April 24, the singer’s firm TAS Rights Management submitted three applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Intellectual property lawyer Josh Gerben identified the filings, which aim to legally ring-fence specific aspects of her brand:

The Austria Auction Company is set to hold its upcoming «Collector Rugs 20 – No Reserve» auction in Vienna, offering collectors a wide selection of antique carpets and textiles.

The event, scheduled for May 2026, will feature hundreds of lots, continuing the auction house’s established series of no-reserve sales that attract international buyers. According to listings, bidding will take place both online and via webcast, allowing global participation.

The auction will include a diverse range of rugs from regions such as Persia, the Caucasus, Anatolia and Central Asia, reflecting the broad geographic scope typical of the series. Previous...

Kazakhstan has officially ratified a trilateral agreement on green energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, marking a step forward in regional clean energy integration.

The law was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and published in the national press. The agreement, originally signed in Baku in November 2024 by the leaders of the three countries, focuses on strengthening strategic cooperation in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The deal includes joint projects in the production and trade of green hydrogen and ammonia, as well as the development of infrastructure for cross-border electricity transmission. It also aims to establish stable technical...

The Kyrgyzstan U-18 national ice hockey team suffered a defeat against Uzbekistan U-18 national ice hockey team in the U-18 Asian Cup, according to local reports.

Uzbekistan secured a convincing victory, maintaining control throughout the match and limiting Kyrgyzstan’s scoring opportunities. The result highlights Uzbekistan’s strong performance in the tournament as it continues to compete for top positions.

The match is part of the ongoing U-18 Asian Cup, which brings together youth teams from across the region to compete at an international level. Kyrgyzstan, where ice hockey is still developing, continues to gain experience through participation in such...

The daughter of Uzbekistan’s former president, Gulnara Karimova, is facing trial in absentia in Switzerland on charges of bribery and money laundering involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

Proceedings opened in a federal criminal court in Bellinzona and are expected to run until late May. Karimova, 53, is currently serving a prison sentence in Uzbekistan and is unable to attend the hearings.

Swiss prosecutors allege she led a criminal network known as «The Office,» which involved dozens of individuals and companies. The group is accused of moving large sums of illicit funds through Switzerland and other jurisdictions, as...

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Hokkaido early Monday, just days after a powerful offshore tremor triggered a rare megaquake advisory in Japan.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake hit at around 5:23 a.m. local time near the town of Sarabetsu at a depth of more than 80 kilometres. Despite being widely felt, authorities reported no casualties, significant damage, or tsunami risk.

The tremor follows a 7.7-magnitude offshore earthquake last week that prompted warnings of a potential «megaquake.» However, Monday’s event occurred outside the advisory zone, and officials said the heightened alert period will conclude as planned.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is facing renewed criticism after a joke about Melania Trump resurfaced in the wake of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The remark, made days earlier during a parody segment, described Melania Trump as having the «glow of an expectant widow.» Following the attack, critics, largely from conservative circles, have pointed to the joke as an example of increasingly hostile political rhetoric.

Several commentators have called for an apology from broadcasters, arguing the tone of such remarks contributes to division. Social media backlash has also intensified, with some users questioning whether the...

Brigitte Macron has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of nearly a decade in the public eye, saying her time as France’s First Lady exposed her to the world’s «stupidity» and «wickedness.»

In a recent interview, the 73-year-old described becoming increasingly pessimistic since her husband, Emmanuel Macron, took office. She cited constant scrutiny, online abuse, and conspiracy theories as major sources of strain, adding that the intensity of life at the Elysee has been overwhelming.

Brigitte Macron has been the target of persistent false claims online, including widely circulated conspiracy theories about her identity. She said the harassment...

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded across Australia and New Zealand after widespread flight disruptions grounded travel plans on Sunday, with dozens of services cancelled and hundreds more delayed.

Airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia accounted for the majority of cancellations, though delays rippled across the broader aviation network.

Major hubs such as Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport, Auckland Airport and Wellington Airport were heavily affected.

Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport saw some of the worst disruption, with 84 flights delayed and several cancellations. Sydney, the country’s busiest airport, recorded the highest number of cancellations, alongside dozens of...